going green...just a little

I would like to think that I'm earth friendly but really I'm just cheap!! I have discovered an area of saving money that I hadn't discovered before and I'm addicted.

These cleaners cost pennies, smell great and are non toxic. I was originally hooked as I began to learn about the damage to our bodies that commercial cleaning products do. They are the main cause of accidental cases of poisonings of children. (when I was a kid I tipped a bottle of bleach into my mouth, fortunately it only had a few drops in it.)

An EPA report states that half of all illnesses in the US can be attributed to chemical contamination of indoor air, AND the Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that more than 150 chemicals found in ordinary household products are directly responsible for producing cancer, allergies, birth defects, infertility, and numerous psychological disorders!!!  Seriously people, how can we NOT pay attention to this?

I have been reading lots of books (the above being one) and comparing information. When the same ingredients are mentioned in all books, then I believe it. "Green up your Clean up" is a good one I recommend "Gorgeously Green" as well.

Basic ingredients for these cleaners include vinegar, borax, and Dr. Bronner's scented liquid castile soap (available in the natural foods section of grocery stores or in the makeup area of Target.

Here is the first thing I tried and it's still my fav.  From Green up your Clean up...

 All Surface Spray

1- 16 oz spray bottle

2 tps borax

1/4 tsp Dr Bronner's castile soap (I like the peppermint the best)

hot water

Shake before each use and wipe using a microfiber cloth. This stuff smells GREAT and cleans my stove and counters better than anything I've ever used before! 

FYI - NEVER use anything with vinegar on stone counters.

Floor Cleaner

1 gallon hot water in a bucket

1 tsp baking soda

2 T. liquid soap

add soap last to prevent foaming

1 T. borax to kill mildew

.......Use a sponge mop with a rag on it. Push it around on the floor until the rag is dirty and switch to a new one.

Glass Cleaner - really important to use a natural glass cleaner because the spray gets inhaled.

1 cup distilled white vinegar

1 cup water

1/2 ts Bronners liquid soap or dish soap with a few drops of essential oil

...... Once build up is gone, leave out the soap.

If you have a favorite natural cleaner please share in the comments!